ROUNDABOUT Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

roundabout 1 of 2

adjective

ˈrau̇n-də-ˌbau̇t

Definition of roundabout

as in indirect

not straightforward or direct took a roundabout route to the beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

roundabout

2 of 2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of roundabout

Adjective

His unwillingness to back Hilton drew a roundabout rebuke from California Republican Party Chair Corrin Rankin. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026 And that, in a roundabout way, was the point. — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 17 June 2026

Noun

Following a behind-schedule and over-budget redevelopment by Transport for London, the roundabout was replaced last year with a byzantine road and cycle lane layout which, peppered with traffic lights, causes constant congestion in the area. — Ian King, CNBC, 10 June 2026 That's because the 250-foot structure would be built on a roundabout near the main entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for over 400,000 active-duty service members, veterans and their families. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for roundabout

Recent Examples of Synonyms for roundabout

Adjective

In ordinary tax terminology, income, property, and estate taxes are often described as direct taxes, while sales, excise, and customs duties are generally characterized as indirect taxes.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, above-average tropical activity in the eastern Pacific increases the likelihood of indirect impacts to the southwestern United States, such as sending more rain to the region and more frequent flash flood concerns.

— Dan Peck, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of indirect

Noun

In a 40-day period, researchers documented more than 40,000 animals – including elephants, primates, and big cats – using a single such underpass, which extended their feeding and breeding range while reducing potential conflict with humans.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026
Police said officers located the armed suspect near Mountain Vista Street and the Interstate 11 underpass.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of underpass

Adjective

Law likes Bobby’s dye pattern, but Willy and Heidi both think the dress’s baggy, circular shape is unflattering.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
The fashion industry is facing new expectations around circular design, lifestyle accountability, and compliance, meaning that the next generation of designers and fashion professionals will need to prepare.

— Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of circular

Noun

The buttons, switches and rotary controls also have a satisfying action, avoiding the flimsy feel that can undermine an otherwise attractive economy-car interior.

— Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Chouinard says low-precipitation rotary nozzles, such as MP Rotators, are the clear winners.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 20 July 2026

Definition of rotary

Adjective

Every floor and room is dedicated to specific watch brands and timepieces, featuring bespoke details like watch-hand door handles and winding-crown faucet handles, all crafted by Florentine artisans.

— Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
As such, the show takes you on a winding journey of France’s influential craftsmanship and its impact on America via archival looks, dazzling objects, and more modern creations.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 29 May 2026

Definition of winding

Noun

The traffic circle where the arch would sit is right between the two landmarks.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
When the four friends reached a traffic circle, O'Brien rammed their car with his truck, forcing it to crash into a telephone pole, according to the affidavit.

— Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of traffic circle

Noun

At the peak of its popularity in the 1960s and ’70s, the park had attracted tens of thousands of visitors every year, but most traffic through the Route 8 and I-84 interchange never stopped.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026
The project will raise and rebuild roughly 1,150 feet of floodwall between the Grant Street interchange and the Fort Pitt Bridge.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of interchange

Browse Nearby Words

round

roundabout

roundabouts

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Roundabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roundabout. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of roundabout

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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